F56 JCW - More Details and Pictures

[MINI William]

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/12/09/breaking-the-2015-mini-jcw-leaks-wgallery/

Makes a good read. I really like it :yes nod: :Whistle:

and with what look lovely seats from the start

[badwolf340]

Like that a lot and love the seats and Chili red

[Mon the fish]

Best looking F56, but I still can't get to like that front.

Seats are lovely, but I wish Mini would change the alloy wheel designer, not keen on them at all

[Gismo]

Best looking F56, but I still can't get to like that frontI'm looking forward to someone creating a better front :thumbs up:

[Mon the fish]

I'm looking forward to someone creating a better front :thumbs up:
Could copy the R53 front I suppose :p

[Eddie_JCW]

I like it, although I wish BMW were a bit more generous with the extra power. The drive will have to be as good as it is on the R56 JCW, as exciting and as involving.

Quite excited to see the Rebel Green, sit in those seats and see what other options we get.

[MINI William]

I like it, although I wish BMW were a bit more generous with the extra power. The drive will have to be as good as it is on the R56 JCW, as exciting and as involving.

Quite excited to see the Rebel Green, sit in those seats and see what other options we get.

I think there will be a small queue at HF

[Eddie_JCW]

I think there will be a small queue at HF

Let me know the night before you go up so I can block your drive with Rachael's car and get my order in before you :lol:

[Ivano]

I think there will be a small queue at HF

Would much prefer a LARGE queue at Harry Fairbairn :yes nod::yes nod::smilewinkgrin:

[MINI William]

The more I look at the seats the more they look like the Recaros that could be spec'ed at the factory/ Fitted as standard on the GP

[Eddie_JCW]

The more I look at the seats the more they look like the Recaros that could be spec'ed at the factory/ Fitted as standard on the GP

Was thinking that too, they look very comfy and very supportive. If these are the JCW seats imagine what the GP3's will be like :thumbs up:

[MINI William]

Would much prefer a LARGE queue at Harry Fairbairn :yes nod::yes nod::smilewinkgrin:

:laugh:As long as I get first shot

[DigitalLemming]

That's very nice, I had been thinking about keeping mine for the long term especially with work changing offices next year and mine becoming more of a weekend toy. Typically change my car every 18 months to 2 years, I can see myself being tempted by one of those if the money was right :D

[MINI William]

That's very nice, I had been thinking about keeping mine for the long term especially with work changing offices next year and mine becoming more of a weekend toy. Typically change my car every 18 months to 2 years, I can see myself being tempted by one of those if the money was right :D


No need for a decat or remap then :shut up:

[DigitalLemming]

No need for a decat or remap then :shut up:

Aye, but it would be at least the summer before I think about changing it, plenty of time to decat it still :thumbs up: and I'm not going through the Tyne tunnels with you lot making a racket and me quiet as a mouse at the back :lol:

Will have to think about the remap though especially after seeing what they could tell about my car last night!

[Crombers]

It's better ........... just not jaw dropping

The good - that interior is stunning, could sit in that all day ......... and night.
It's very quick.
All that technology.

The bad - the usual. Rear lights are far too big. Front still looks like a fish & those wheels, ......... c'mon MINI

[badwolf340]

must have been the link not working on my phone

[Jonathan14]

I really like the seat in the red but really loving the red bar on the grill I think we are going to need a lot of them on launch day going to be a very popular

[badwolf340]

nice detail on the red line section of rev counter

[Eddie_JCW]

That's the speedo Brian, well spotted though :yes nod: or maybe they will make it a larger rev counter if not then that's obviously a target speed :thumbs up:

[MINI William]

I think there is loads of nice little touches such as the detail on the speedo the JCW badge as well on the speedo (which has been carried over from more recent JCWs - Convertabile, Paceman & Countryman) and the badges in the seats. Looking forward to seeing what options are available and hopefully we see some nice new JCW accessories

[AndyP & Lenore]

Best looking F56 I've seen yet. :thumbs up:

But I think we'll be waiting for the convertible F rather than looking at a hatch. I honestly think our hatch days are over.

[MINI William]

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/12/10/world-premier-the-mini-jcw-hatch/

Some tech specs

[MINI William]

I think the best news after reading the above, is that that Chrono Pack is back with Boost and Oil Pressure and a stopwatch :yes nod:

[Eddie_JCW]

Reading that has given me faith that there is enough to get me in one. Glad to here there's plenty of JCW specific stuff, liking the sound of the HUD which sounds like the one found in the M cars and of course chrono.

I hate that the auto is faster :ragin: but I'm a proper driver so give me 3 pedals :smilewinkgrin:

[badwolf340]

That's the speedo Brian, well spotted though :yes nod: or maybe they will make it a larger rev counter if not then that's obviously a target speed :thumbs up:

So it is ,just got a wee bit exicited

[badwolf340]

Reading that has given me faith that there is enough to get me in one. Glad to here there's plenty of JCW specific stuff, liking the sound of the HUD which sounds like the one found in the M cars and of course chrono.

I hate that the auto is faster :ragin: but I'm a proper driver so give me 3 pedals :smilewinkgrin:

Depends if it is full auto or a form of DCT

[Eddie_JCW]

Depends if it is full auto or a form of DCT

They're calling it step-tronic so it sounds like an auto, DCT would be cool but not as cool as that lovely gearstick it's very nice.

Oh decisions decisions :unsure:

[MINI William]

At this point I would consider either the manaul or the steptronic, depending upon how the steptronic feels. If its anything like the auto box in the M135 we will be on to a winner

[badwolf340]

8Sp on the X3 was fantastic,aside from auto being faster will also lower CO emmissions so the auto maybe lower VED

[Eddie_JCW]

Driven an X5 with the 8 speed and it's a great box. compared with what's offered in the MINIs rivals, the 6sp auto will be one of the best in the class.
We'll just need to test both and both will have advantages and disadvantages.

[AndyP & Lenore]

I hate that the auto is faster :ragin: but I'm a proper driver so give me 3 pedals :smilewinkgrin:

I LOVE that the auto is faster.:moonie::hand::smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin ::smilewinkgrin:

[Mon the fish]

Is it a great auto box - yes.

Will you notice the tiny difference in meaningless 0-60 times - no.

It comes down to what you want from the car, not what is theoretically quicker on paper. It could be the choice of ratios, e.g. 2nd finishes earlier in one of them. Neither of which will be noticeable when you mash the pedal to get past a tractor

[MINI William]

A Little Video

http://youtu.be/StikPEwioZc

[Eddie_JCW]

I'm in love! My mind's made up now I'm getting one lol

[MINI William]

I'm in love! My mind's made up now I'm getting one lol

That was easy

[Eddie_JCW]

A couple of handbrake turns and I'm anybody's :lol: maybe not tell Rachael that though she does enough damage to her alloys without using the handbrake :argh:

[gauldrymini]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/89726/new-mini-jcw-2015-hot-john-cooper-works-hatch-blasts-in

More of the same

[AndyP & Lenore]

That was easy

Been speaking with Rachael this evening on Facebook and it sounds like Eddie is extremely easy.:moonie::smilewinkgrin:

[MINI William]

Been speaking with Rachael this evening on Facebook and it sounds like Eddie is extremely easy.:moonie::smilewinkgrin:

Aren't we all :yes nod:

[MINI William]

Rebel Green revealed
http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/12/22/breaking-f56-jcw-exclusive-rebel-green-revealed/

I don't think its quite rebel enough

[Eddie_JCW]

I wanted it to be something crazy :( but I do like Connaught Green.

[EcosseGP]

Would've been nice to leave the WC 50 as an exclusive colour though a bit like thunder blue for the GP

[Eddie_JCW]

Would've been nice to leave the WC 50 as an exclusive colour though a bit like thunder blue for the GP

Agree 100% Davy those exclusive colours make the cars that little bit more exclusive

[Eddie_JCW]

There's word going around that they're opening the order books on the 9th of January :thumbs up::shut up::frown::yes nod::scratch::idunno::lol:

[EcosseGP]

As soon as the 9th ... Interesting ! I wait with baited breath :)

[MINI William]

There's word going around that they're opening the order books on the 9th of January :thumbs up::shut up::frown::yes nod::scratch::idunno::lol:

:Whistle: Seems a bit late

[stoney]

:Whistle: Seems a bit late

Very late is it not ?

[badwolf340]

MINI USA have launched F56 JCW pics with what looks like new chrono pack will post pics later

[badwolf340]

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq359/badwolf340/db16c4a1b43d8664197cad5b627a1b73.jpg
http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq359/badwolf340/f7c0b697bac813f62292aca7f14d0403.jpg
http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq359/badwolf340/70496c6d18adf249f4904c0f88020cbb.jpg

[illegalhunter]

$30100 in the USA pro rata , should be £21k over here

[DigitalLemming]

Found a few more photos, liking the colour a bit more from these, was unsure of it at first.

5528
5529
5530
5531
5532
5533

[Eddie_JCW]

Andrew!! Stop it!! :ragin: :lol:

[Mon the fish]

Agree gauges are a bit aftermarket looking, and by god green does not go with red - needs a white roof to work IMO

[jonnie]

Agree the gauges look like an afterthought but even so, where do i sign.

[badwolf340]

Motoring file contacted us today to tell us MINI is working on making the JCW PRO exhaust work on the F56 which is very good news as it sounds mental on the Cooper S (which we have posted video up before when we were down at the JCW concept launch at Bracknell) can't wait for this mmmmmmm

[Eddie_JCW]

Not the speedo lol, as Brian said it's still in front of the steering wheel ;)

[EcosseGP]

I'm loving the interior and I love things that are different so I'm a big fan of the original JCW colours green with a red roof. I got strange looks when I asked if that was an option for the JCW Coupe !
The interior looks fantastic and I think the additional gauges have been taken a la Williams GP lol.
Looks like a touch of the rally classic stopwatch on the last gauge ..
I personally think that the only thing they've not spent time on is the wheels !
Can't wait to see it in the flesh :):)

[MINI William]

Really looking forward to seeing the car in the flesh. So far I'm loving it, rebel green look better on the car but still not sure it's rebel enough. I should have trademarked the gauges as MINI have stole my set up:smilewinkgrin:

[Eddie_JCW]

I think it's better on the car and does go pretty well with Chili Red, which I don't think BRG does. It's nowhere near rebel enough :(. But I do look forward to seeing the car in the flesh.

Don't worry William your gauges are in a better location and it would allow you to have HUD too :thumbs up:

[MINI William]

MINI still haven't got the JCW on the website configurer.

[MINI William]

http://www.motoringfile.com/2015/01/15/the-2015-mini-jcw-in-depth/

Some more details. Also found out today that the JCW is only available to order in Auto until June :smilewinkgrin:

[Eddie_JCW]

Good read! nice to see it has an additional radiator, I wonder if that's only for the turbo, kind of like the system on the M4 or if it's linked to the whole system. Disappointed they've held back on it and making you spend more money on JCW pro stuff.

I'm now convinced more than ever not to order until I've seen it in the flesh and driven it.

[EcosseGP]

Interesting that they also scrapped a back box on the exhaust system ... Maybe should've done that on my S now after seeing that and Eddies .. Damn !!

[Mon the fish]

^^ I would tend to agree with this - why would you spend a mega wedge on a JCW, to have to go straight to the JCW options list for diffuser, exhaust etc that should really be standard?

Also MF are the funniest fanboi's around. Love everything Mini until a new one is out, then suddenly the old ones are rubbish. No idea why they're bashing the R56 JCW, which is by any standard a fantastic car. Not sure what 'never fully realised' is supposed to mean.

[Mon the fish]

Mini just don't understand proper offsets, only the fJCW had a decent one

[jonnie]

Piece on the JCW in mm, including a figure of £22,865 which i think is a pretty good starting point although north of 25 grand once options are finished is more likely.

[Eddie_JCW]

Might be to speed things up a bit to save long waiting times by keeping the launches apart.

[DigitalLemming]

For anybody who can read German, the JCW has appeared on the Mini.de configurator thingy:
https://h5vco.mini.de/MINI/#/configurator/XM91/S02TB/uid=meYVw&language=de&country=DE

[Eddie_JCW]

Nice find Andrew :thumbs up: I'll get google translate to work on it later.

[ELFMAN]

"The one unique aspect of the JCW wheels (whether their on a real JCW or not) is that they bow outward in order for the four-pot front calipers to fit behind them. This in turn has dictated that the plastic wheel arches are subtly extended to fully cover the wider wheels."

Strange... my old 'unbowed' 17" Crown Spokes clear my 4 Pots (just), and not a 'subtly extended' wheel arch in sight. Are the F56 arches narrower than the R56's? By the way, why can't the MF journos differentiate between 'they're' and 'their'? Inexcusable :hand:

On the subject of FJCW Vs S with JCW upgrades, I'm sure the F56 FJCW will be a blast to drive, but initial impressions on reading the posts are that the lines between a 'specced-up' F56 S with JCW bits and the F56 FJCW are possibly being blurred to a confusing level. I always thought of my car with the JCW Stage 1 engine, brakes etc as a 'half-way' point between the R56 S and the R56 FJCW, but maybe it was a similar argument back then? Even further back in ELF history, my R53 was running basically the same mechanical spec as the GP1 (Brakes, Suspension, 210 engine etc), so it's nothing new to be able to spec-up 'lesser' S versions to FJCW levels - but the GP still had that look and a certain 'magic' or 'synergy' that you couldn't get from sticking JCW bits on your R53, no matter how fab the tuned R53 was! And it was...

So what's my point? While you can upgrade S models to an interesting 'JCW spec', I would argue that MINI should always make sure that the FJCW should have unique mechanical parts/spec (eg uprated engine internals and ancillaries etc) which can't be retro-fitted to the 'cooking' S. Otherwise it's just a souped-up S with an Aero kit at a premium price.

[MINI William]

I had a play with it the other night (sorry forgot to say to everyone) but I'm still not sure. Will need to see the UK configurator

[ELFMAN]

I had a play with it the other night (sorry forgot to say to everyone)

It's OK William, we just took it for granted that you would... :smilewinkgrin:

[illegalhunter]

I was in at FAirbairns Saturday , auto only to start with

[DigitalLemming]

At last MINI UK have caught up: https://h5vco.mini.co.uk/MINI/#/configurator/XM92/S02TB/uid=Vzxzo&language=en&country=GB

[MINI William]

I've had a play with both the German and UK config but I can honeslty say that I'm left feeling a little disapointed:sad:, as said before I think there is to many JCW bits missing from the JCW. This may all change when I drive the car

[Eddie_JCW]

^^^ agree 100% :scratch: :unsure: :argh:

I'm thinking they'll need to perform a small miracle to get what's missing back into it and tbh I can't see that happening. Get back to the drawing board MINI we want something special with a hint of exclusivity to it (eg JCW only wheels, a nice JCW only colour or two and JCW PRO parts as standard as they should be.)

[Eddie_JCW]

In fact just give us an R56 with the F56 gadgets and engine and I'll be happy :thumbs up:

[badwolf340]

John cooper works MINI Kit video now up on you tube ,just had an E mail

[badwolf340]

I have posted link on the NMS FB page

[Eddie_JCW]

The JCW coming without the JCW pro stuff is a joke, it's probably the one thing that's stopped me even thinking about getting one.

The R56 Sport suspension was a no-cost option I'm sure and you're right if you opted not to have it you got the Cooper S suspension but I wouldn't fancy not having the JCW suspension.

[Coop1]

Took a Challenge 210 for drive today. Great car and highlight has to be carbon tipped bimodal exhaust in track mode. Naughty but nice. Totally loaded special edition car but just seems a wee bit of a pretendy JCW. Not hunkered down enough and no Brembos. Will await F56 JCW in few weeks, though looks like many options may need ticking...

[illegalhunter]

By the time you add all the options , your nearly at porche money

[zimbo]

Guess what I saw today :smilewinkgrin:

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https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8711/17246616295_7c6aaca901_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sh2qan)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/17246063351_090bac6eb8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sgYzMR)

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8783/17220647846_607ee6e9ae_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/seJjDu)

Does look very VERY nice I have to say, the seats look amazing!! (only saw them through the window though) so didn't try to get a photo :frown:

Hope you like the pics ;)

[badwolf340]

Nice pics ,they will be on the road soon

[MINI William]

Nice to see one with some JCW Pro accessories

[jonnie]

Have arranged to drive a JCW and challenge 210 back to back on weds.:thumbs up:

[Coop1]

Ok, now had test in new JCW courtesy of Eastern (good to see Eddie and William at the karting launch on the Friday night. Well done William on your place in final!).

Was a black with red roof and 18 inch wheels, steptronic, until manual arrives in few weeks. Did not have adaptive suspension and really don't think necessary. Standard sports set-up is excellent. Felt better planted/more pliant than my R56 JCW on regular setup, no-sports susp. Firm but not as harsh nor as twitchy. Steering set up is also good in sport. New standard JCW seats are way better than old. Not difficult mind. Power delivery seemed good even with tight engine. Off mark acceleration is certainly impressive and there are engineered pops on change-ups.

First time with flappy paddles and could easily get used to. Almost instant changes, way better than my left arm. Can keep in full nanny auto in town/jams and if you check spec the fuel consumption differences are huge and would hopefully translate (in relative terms) into real world usage. I honestly think that is the way to go. Slightly better 0-60 and lower carbons/tax is simply a bonus. Never thought would prefer an auto, but there we go.

The exhaust/engine note is spot on. Yes, there are not quite as many pops and bangs as the Challenge or Coop S with bi-modal exhaust but they still want way over £1,000 extra without the power upgrade that's also part of the Cooper S option. Simply not necessary in my opinion, others may disagree.

Overall, like all F56s, feels just that bit more sorted, fewer rough edges. Which, of course, can be a good and bad thing. Cabin ergonomics take getting used to but controls all inspire a bit more confidence.

As to whether would change now. Undecided. But that is not because I don't think the new model is great. It is. It's just that when I changed to current car I said would keep for at least couple of years. 19 months and 15k in it is barely run in and still counting down to first service. Also, I am certain there will be a slightly better finance deal/promotion a little further down the line.

As to colour, quite fancy solid pepper white or volcanic orange (both with black roof/mirrors) and black 17 wheels. Do not like the look or convex design of the 18 inch two-tones which also take up fair chunk of chili pack price. Most of other stuff on that pack I can live without. Seems it does not look as essential as the chili pack on the R56 which also got you bi-xenons, etc. Std spec without pack includes quite a bit (LEDs/seats/DAB). The black wheels over standard are only £75 option and only other stuff would like are armrest, stripes, privacy glass and rear sensors.

Also noticed that tank has for some reason dropped from 50 to 44 litres. Bit odd.

Anyhow, would be interested to hear thoughts from others who have been for test in new F56 JCW/are thinking about buying/have actually bought one....

Scott

[gauldrymini]

...good review fella :yes nod:

[badwolf340]

Ok, now had test in new JCW courtesy of Eastern (good to see Eddie and William at the karting launch on the Friday night. Well done William on your place in final!).

Was a black with red roof and 18 inch wheels, steptronic, until manual arrives in few weeks. Did not have adaptive suspension and really don't think necessary. Standard sports set-up is excellent. Felt better planted/more pliant than my R56 JCW on regular setup, no-sports susp. Firm but not as harsh nor as twitchy. Steering set up is also good in sport. New standard JCW seats are way better than old. Not difficult mind. Power delivery seemed good even with tight engine. Off mark acceleration is certainly impressive and there are engineered pops on change-ups.

First time with flappy paddles and could easily get used to. Almost instant changes, way better than my left arm. Can keep in full nanny auto in town/jams and if you check spec the fuel consumption differences are huge and would hopefully translate (in relative terms) into real world usage. I honestly think that is the way to go. Slightly better 0-60 and lower carbons/tax is simply a bonus. Never thought would prefer an auto, but there we go.

The exhaust/engine note is spot on. Yes, there are not quite as many pops and bangs as the Challenge or Coop S with bi-modal exhaust but they still want way over £1,000 extra without the power upgrade that's also part of the Cooper S option. Simply not necessary in my opinion, others may disagree.

Overall, like all F56s, feels just that bit more sorted, fewer rough edges. Which, of course, can be a good and bad thing. Cabin ergonomics take getting used to but controls all inspire a bit more confidence.

As to whether would change now. Undecided. But that is not because I don't think the new model is great. It is. It's just that when I changed to current car I said would keep for at least couple of years. 19 months and 15k in it is barely run in and still counting down to first service. Also, I am certain there will be a slightly better finance deal/promotion a little further down the line.

As to colour, quite fancy solid pepper white or volcanic orange (both with black roof/mirrors) and black 17 wheels. Do not like the look or convex design of the 18 inch two-tones which also take up fair chunk of chili pack price. Most of other stuff on that pack I can live without. Seems it does not look as essential as the chili pack on the R56 which also got you bi-xenons, etc. Std spec without pack includes quite a bit (LEDs/seats/DAB). The black wheels over standard are only £75 option and only other stuff would like are armrest, stripes, privacy glass and rear sensors.

Also noticed that tank has for some reason dropped from 50 to 44 litres. Bit odd.

Anyhow, would be interested to hear thoughts from others who have been for test in new F56 JCW/are thinking about buying/have actually bought one....

Scott

Think you have got it spot on :thumbs up:

[MINI William]

I was hugely impressed with the new JCW, thanks to Harry Fairbairn for giving me the chance to explore the JCW over Sunday and Monday rather than a quick test drive. Inspite of me having some reservations about the car, it truly is a JCW and ticks a lot of the right boxes especially with the autobox which gives fantastic changes and doesn't leave you feeling like you have lost a little control over what the car is doing but quite the opposite

[EcosseGP]

Well tbh I nipped into Menzies garage on Saturday and it felt like just another Saturday afternoon. A couple of people walking about the showroom and salesmen/woman sat at their desks. Not even the sign of the JCW but they did have 2 x 210s there. I hung about for 45 minutes and had a look at a PW Clubby (which in my opinion was in a poor state for a car on the forecourt) before I decided to leave. I actually felt disappointed that there wasn't anything to promote the launch of the JCW nor was there one even there to be seen especially as I'd been told to pop in and get a look at it. Glad to see that at least one dealer seems to have got it right and made an effort ...
Good to hear the reviews and thanks for the offer William of popping through to show me it but things were a bit chaotic or I'd have met you for a look over it .... :)


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[Coop1]

Decided to push the button. Pepper white/black roof/black alloys for bit of a change. Steptronic plus few bits. June delivery.

[MINI William]

Decided to push the button. Pepper white/black roof/black alloys for bit of a change. Steptronic plus few bits. June delivery.

:thumbs up: Great. Looking forward to seeing it

[Craig]

So is that the second order From NMS then? :)


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[Eddie_JCW]

So is that the second order From NMS then? :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I reckon it is Craig :yes nod:

[stoney]

Good stuff guys [emoji106]🏻

[MINI William]

So is that the second order From NMS then? :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Who else has ordered one?:idunno:

[Coop1]

Cant complain about deal offered at Eastern. Good dealer. 4th from there. They know am in the forum so maybe NMS cuts some ice!

[EcosseGP]

Decided to push the button. Pepper white/black roof/black alloys for bit of a change. Steptronic plus few bits. June delivery.

Excellent news :)


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[gauldrymini]

So is that the second order From NMS then? :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

...the plot thickens

- - - Updated - - -


Cant complain about deal offered at Eastern. Good dealer. 4th from there. They know am in the forum so maybe NMS cuts some ice!

Good choice

[Eddie_JCW]

Well I've had my test drive...

I went in expecting it to be nice but nowhere near as good as the R56 JCW just like the F56 S but a tiny bit quicker.

Looks wise I've liked the look of the F56 since launch and the JCW doesn't disappoint well apart from the wheels and the side skirts which don't do anything for the car.

I started the car up and was impressed with the exhaust note it was actually very pleasant and I knew it was going to be nothing like the S but I knew I could still be disappointed with the drive.

Off we went and immediately the car was a lively little thing it was ready to go have some fun. Around town I couldn't help but think I was really going to enjoy the drive and I did, as soon as I got to the NSL signs I floored it and before I know it I'm at 70 MPH the torque and power are gobsmacking I couldn't understand how it could be so much of an improvement over the S.

It felt spot on it handled being thrown about rather well and was ready to go whenever you wanted it to, but the thing that impressed me most of all was that automatic gearbox it's lightning quick and feels nothing like the autos I had driven previously it's definitely the box I'd have. The little groan you get when you change up also encourages you to floor it.

So... it can't all be good here are the things that disappointed me. They could have made it more unique, feel more and look more special, I won't be speccing Chili Pack because I'm not a huge fan of the 18" wheels and could live without red bits on the seats. It need nicer side skirts like the R56 JCW and last but not least it either doesn't pop loud enough or the soundproofing is better, either way I'd have to test it again with a JCW pro bi-modal exhaust.

Will I be ordering? yes without a doubt but I'm not sure when because I really can't decide on a colour just yet lol although the Rebel Green was nice it just wasn't exciting enough for me.

[badwolf340]

Think you are spot on with the chilli pack ,just not needed or worth it,better things to spend the money on

[AndyP & Lenore]

Eddie, out of interest, have you driven any other automatic JCW MINI's?

[Eddie_JCW]

Eddie, out of interest, have you driven any other automatic JCW MINI's?

No unfortunately not but I have driven other BMWs with auto boxes if that'll help at all

[AndyP & Lenore]

No unfortunately not but I have driven other BMWs with auto boxes if that'll help at all

ok. As soon as Lenore is feeling better we need to get out and test drive one of these puppies. Our experience of the auto box in all MINI's from the R53 Cooper S up to the R56 JCW is that it is excellent. Really interested to see what MINI have done with this box that sets it out from the crowd.:thumbs up:

[weefossy]

Agree with Andy on this. Think the auto box on the R56 is an excellent box, so it will be interesting to see just how different the F56 box is.

[stoney]

The box is a joy to drive with !! I drive a few auto's and have to say this is up there with the Audi DSG box !!

[weefossy]

I've got the Audi DSG on the A3 and in sport mode the changes are pretty rapid.

[MINI William]

i have to agree with this that the autobox in the JCW is phenomenal

[Craig]

Saw the JCW at Kirkcaldy today... Still not my cup of tea but as a drivers car it seems to tick a lot of boxes for people...


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[Coop1]

Glad you liked it Eddie. I am looking at late June for delivery. Glad didnt go for chili pack. Big waste of money esp if dont like those two tone 18s. Colour was a dilemma. Think the off white pepper will be fine with blk roof and wheels and the red grill trim/side scuttles and calipers offsetting that. Auto box is ace. Go buy!!

[AndyP & Lenore]

Took one of these out from JCW World at Eastern MINI today. Had to see what all the fuss was about this "auto box".

A bit of background, more for the current members who don't know Lenore and I that well... We've had several MINI's since 2003 and every one has been an "automatic"; our first was a Cooper CVT then they've all been either Cooper S's or JCW's. So as far as the 'MINI Automatic' is concerned, we may not know it all but after 10 'auto' MINI's, I'd like to think we know our stuff...

Our thoughts are that the auto box in the F56 JCW is identical to the auto box in the R56. It's not, I asked Paul at Eastern. But as much as it's a 'different' box, it does exactly the same job, just as well as the previous car. But it's still a huge improvement on the auto box in the R53 Cooper S Auto box which was good, but a bit reluctant to change down when required which resulted in revs being held too high - more frustrating than anything. It also upshifts quicker than the R53 Cooper S auto box, but when making a direct comparison with the R56 Cooper S auto box, there's really little to separate them. It still upshifts quicker than you can blink.

But I do love the new double-thump from the exhaust which you get on an under-load change up. To be honest it's very similar to what we got in our Audi S5 and we now get in our Merc A45 AMG, but these are obviously significantly more expensive cars where you would expect a bit more noise for your bucks. But on that (exhaust) note, we were both left a bit disappointed with the downshift and run-on pops, bangs and crackles.... hardly any at all. Our R56 JCW Convertible makes enough noise to make small children clasp their hands to their ears when traveling through small villages. But the F seemed to be very muted indeed. We wondered if it had Pilkington triple glazing so we opened the windaes but to no avail, still muted. Spoke to Paul about this when we got back and it seems an upgraded bi-modal (£2,000 option) exhaust is required to enjoy such sounds. Hmmmm. It's good the option is there, but I do tend to think if you're buying the top-of-the-range model, should that not be a standard item?

The inside is sumptuous, very comfy indeed, with seats which don't let you slide around when cornering at incredible speeds. In fact, I'd go as far as saying they were the best seats MINI have ever made. The info screen was very nice and would look lovely when used for a sat nav but our car didn't have one. :( Lenore wasn't keen on the fact you don't get the speedo of any kind in the middle of the dash any more - although I realise that's an F design thing, not just the JCW.

The outside is..... hmmmm. Sorry, but it still doesn't gel with me. I'm going to be quite honest here, it's just too big. About an inch bigger all round (according to Paul), but I seem to recall the R56 was about the same increase over the R53. Where will the madness end? :lol:

Overall, it's a very very very nice car to drive, very fast indeed and you can really get a sense of the extra horses under the bonnet over our R56 JCW Vert. But it wasn't good enough to encourage me out of our own car at the moment. Maybe when the new convertible is out in spring next year. But I get a sense from Mrs P that our MINI Convertible days are running out, with a 235i a strong possible replacement.